Training for a marathon? No, neither are we. But we did wonder whether these instant exercise boosters would make a difference to our once-a-week slog around the Botanic Gardens.

GU Energy Gel

Various flavors including lemon sublime, tri berry, mandarin orange. 32g / $3.95 from GNC.
The first one we tried (and the most widely available), and boy was it an intense introduction. With a taste like kid’s candy, it put a spring in our step almost instantly. Trouble is, the spring kept going and 30 minutes later our heart-rate was as high as a hummingbird’s, and we ground to a halt.

Power Bar Gel

Various flavors including green apple, vanilla, raspberry cream. 41g / $3.21 from GNC.
Ugh. The non-caffeinated vanilla version tastes pretty horrendous; though we guess after three hours on the road you’re not missing the subtle hint of umami in what you eat. And it did at least seem like a slower and more steady release: Half an hour in—the same point at which the GU gel had done its worst—our legs felt encouragingly light and ready for more. We didn’t give it to them, of course.

2nd Surge Ultra Energy Gel

Chocolate flavor. 29g / $4 from 2XU.
Basically an espresso shot in a packet, this is one for serious athletes (and perhaps extremely tired amateurs) only. It’s based around a blend of superfoods, including goji berries, mangosteen and cranberries, and even contains protein, making it easy to kid yourself that it’s good for you. Although it’s the best tasting of the three, it’s also the most expensive and, with a serious caffeine kick (100mg per packet), is probably better suited to ultramarathoning, not 20 minutes on the treadmill.

Essentials
GNC
2XU KPI Store
You can also buy in bulk from locally-based web store Energy Gel Addict

How Do Energy Gels Work?

The carbohydrate combo provides both quick (fructose) and slow release (maltodextrin) energy to your muscles. The manufacturers reckon it kicks in within 5-10 minutes of ingestion. Based on our non-randomised, non-blind, entirely unscientific trial, that’s more or less on the money.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, credited with all kinds of powers, including neutralizing lactic acid and aiding in recovery. Sounds great, huh? Trouble is, there’s almost no evidence for this. Even hardcore bodybuilding websites admit the jury’s still out on whether they have any benefit at all.

The caffeine helps your body convert fat to energy more efficiently, improving endurance, reducing fatigue and helping you focus. This is actually proven science; which can’t be said for most other supplements. It’s a mild diuretic though, so don’t take in too much before you head out.